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London mayor Boris Johnson praised the "wonderful crowd" who spurred him on to complete a gruelling 100-mile road race in the capital.

The event - part of a weekend described as the UK's largest festival of cycling - also saw famous faces including Rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson, two-time Olympic rowing champion James Cracknell and Olympic champion sprint hurdler Sally Gunnell take to the saddle alongside some 16,500 others.

Boris Johnson thanked the organisers and "wonderful crowd" after he completed the event. Credit: PA Wire

Speaking on the finish line on The Mall, Mr Johnson said: "This is a great day for cycling, and for this city.

"I want to thank the organisers and the wonderful crowd who made all the difference as we cycled by, helping to spur me on to finish the gruelling 100 miles in a respectable eight hours.

"Huge congratulations to everyone who took part - RideLondon is now firmly on the map as one of the greatest cycling events in the world."